Home Decorating For Dummies

by McMillan, Katharine Kaye; McMillan, Patricia Hart

• ISBN13: 9780764541568
• ISBN10: 0764541560
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-31
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Do you long to create picture-perfect rooms but can't quite seem to achieve them? Do you want better functioning spaces for working, playing, or living? Do you clamor to express your personal style? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, you've turned to the right source for real answers from the pros.Home Decorating For Dummies, 2nd Edition is for all kinds of people in all kinds of decorating situations, including: First-time buyers or renters. You have a whole new place to decorate. Where do you start? Second- or third-time home buyers. Whether you've gone up or down in size, stayed in the same region or moved to a whole new one, you need to know how to make your old furniture work in a new setting, how to add furnishings, and how to make your style seem fresh. Newly blended families. He has furniture, she has furniture, they have furniture. Can it all work together harmoniously? Indeed! And anyone else who loves decorating. Don't forget: Imagination counts. Each part of Home Decorating For Dummies, deals with a broad area of decorating, and each chapter contains specific and detailed information. You'll discover tips on Basic planning where to begin when you want to start decorating Creating surface interest the effects of color, pattern, and texture, and the problems created by too much or too little of them Creating backgrounds what you need to know about the special decorating requirements of your walls Tackling tough rooms how to effectively decorate rooms that have special functional requirements Accessorizing with art and other stuff adding the final flourishes to every space in your place Home Decorating For Dummies, 2nd Edition contains all the basics including how to figure out what you can spend; how to spend it; and the latest and greatest in styles, trends, and technology. What do you do with your space next? The possibilities are endless.

Author Biography

<b>Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p> gt;Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
About This Book	1	(1)
Who Needs to Read This Book?	2	(1)
How to Use This Book	2	(1)
How This Book Is Organized	3	(1)
Part I: Basic Planning	3	(1)
Part II: Creating Surface Interest	3	(1)
Part III: Style and Substance	3	(1)
Part IV: Creating Backgrounds	4	(1)
Part V: Tackling the Three Tough Rooms: Kitchen, Bath, and Home Office	4	(1)
Part VI: Fixing Up Four Easy Rooms	4	(1)
Part VII: Embellishments: Accessorizing with Art and Other Stuff	4	(1)
Part VIII: The Part of Tens	4	(1)
Icons Used in This Book	4	(1)
Where to Go from Here	5	(2)
Part I: Basic Planning	7	(38)
Chapter 1: Bringing Your Vision to life	9	(4)
Taking the First Steps	9	(1)
Decorating All Through the House	10	(1)
Tackling the toughies	10	(1)
Fixing up the easies	10	(1)
Adding Professional Finishing Touches	11	(2)
Chapter 2: Planning Your Budget	13	(8)
Coming to Grips with Your Budget	13	(3)
Simplifying the budgeting process	14	(1)
Considering basic budget questions	15	(1)
Creating Your Decorating Road Map	16	(1)
Breaking down large projects into phases	16	(1)
Grouping small projects together	16	(1)
Writing down your decorating plan	17	(1)
Checking Out Costs	17	(1)
Hunting for Bargains	18	(1)
Calling on the Professionals	19	(2)
Chapter 3: Evaluating Your Space	21	(12)
Preparing a Floor Plan	21	(6)
Collecting the right tools	22	(1)
Measuring your space	23	(1)
Drawing floor plans	24	(2)
Critiquing the space	26	(1)
Considering function and space when selecting furniture	27	(1)
Putting Furniture in Its Place	27	(6)
Moving furniture on paper	28	(2)
Evaluating your plan	30	(3)
Chapter 4: Understanding Design Principles	33	(12)
Deciphering Design	33	(2)
Befriending the Basic Design Elements	35	(3)
Considering color	35	(1)
Recognizing form
Reading between the lines	35	(2)
Weighing in on mass	37	(1)
Touching texture	38	(1)
Introducing Yourself to Design Components	38	(4)
Focusing on the focal point	38	(2)
Keeping size and scale in mind	40	(1)
Creating harmony and variety	41	(1)
Feeling the Rhythm	42	(1)
Balancing Your Act	42	(3)
Part II: Creating Surface Interest	45	(36)
Chapter 5: Eyeing Color Basics	47	(10)
Taking Color 101	47	(2)
Relating to color	48	(1)
Finding foolproof color schemes	48	(1)
Understanding Color - The Color Wheel	49	(2)
Analogous colors	50	(1)
Complementary colors	50	(1)
Warm and cool colors	50	(1)
Using Basic Color Schemes	51	(6)
Spreading color around	52	(2)
Meeting with the style board	54	(1)
Choosing a stylish color scheme	55	(2)
Chapter 6: Applying Pattern Basics	57	(12)
Considering Pattern	57	(4)
Historic patterns	58	(2)
Contemporary patterns	60	(1)
Planning for Pattern	61	(5)
Picking your pattern	62	(1)
Using pattern as background	62	(2)
Giving upholstery center stage	64	(1)
Putting one pattern everywhere	64	(1)
Spreading pattern around	65	(1)
Mixing patterns with confidence	65	(1)
Practicing Makes Perfect	66	(3)
Making sample boards	66	(1)
Studying magazine pictures	67	(1)
Scanning wallcovering sample books	67	(2)
Chapter 7: Feeling Your Way Through Textures	69	(10)
Getting to Know Texture	69	(2)
Texture has feelings, too	70	(1)
Throwing its weight around	70	(1)
Making Magic with Texture	71	(8)
Planning the background	71	(3)
Using texture in furniture	74	(1)
Applying texture as an accent	75	(1)
Making texture the star	76	(1)
Working with texture	76	(3)
Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Basics	79	(2)
Asking "What's My Room's Problem?"	79	(1)
Zeroing In on a Sound Solution	80	(1)
Considering Case Studies	81	(1)
C is for color	81	(1)
L is for line	81	(1)
T is for texture	82
Part III: Style and Substance
Chapter 9: Living with Historic Decorating Styles	81	(18)
Considering Lasting Styles	87	(1)
Using Historic Styles in Your Home	88	(1)
Understanding Styles of the Past	89	(8)
Italy	90	(1)
France (17th and 18th centuries)	91	(1)
England	92	(2)
Germany	94	(1)
America	94	(3)
China	97	(1)
Creating Your Own History Based Style	97	(2)
Chapter 10: Decorating with Contemporary Styles	99	(2)
Moving from Historic to Contemporary Style	99	(2)
Focusing on Modern Style	101	(1)
Catching Up with Contemporary Today	102
Modern-inspired styles	102	(1)
Historic-inspired styles	103
Chapter 11: Determining Your Personal Decorating Style	101	(18)
Discovering Personal Style	107	(3)
Defining personal style	107	(2)
Who's who of personal style	109	(1)
Finding Your Personal Style	110	(5)
Taking a personal style quiz	111	(4)
Stating your style	115	(1)
Exploring Your Personal Style	115	(1)
Personalizing Your World	116	(3)
Chapter 12: Finding Out about Furniture	119	(10)
Sizing Up Different Furniture Types	119	(3)
Pre-assembled or ready-made furniture	120	(1)
Ready-to-assemble furniture	121	(1)
Buying Quality Case Goods	122	(2)
Finding Quality Upholstered Furniture	124	(2)
Working Furniture Magic	126	(3)
Part IV: Creating Backgrounds	129	(68)
Chapter 13: Creating Wonderful Walls	131	(12)
Forming a Unified Look	131	(1)
Decorating with Architecture in Mind	132	(3)
Traditional wall design	133	(2)
Contemporary wall design	135	(1)
Considering Your Material Options	135	(8)
Ceramic tile and natural stones	135	(1)
Fabrics	136	(1)
Mirror	137	(1)
Paint	138	(1)
Stucco	139	(1)
Wallpaper and wallcoverings	139	(4)
Chapter 14: Finding Fabulous Floors	143	(12)
Installing Hard Surfaces	143	(5)
Walking on wood	144	(1)
Casting a stone floor	145	(3)
Sizing up synthetics	148	(1)
Stepping on Soft Surfaces	148	(4)
Choosing carpeting	149	(1)
Resting on your rugs	150	(2)
Solving Problems with Flooring	152	(3)
Chapter 15: Sprucing Up Ceilings	155	(10)
Considering Form and Function	155	(1)
Painting Your Ceiling	156	(3)
Getting it white	157	(1)
Using color for unity	157	(1)
Using color for contrast	157	(1)
Designing your own pattern	158	(1)
Painting a sky	158	(1)
Stenciling	158	(1)
Creating a mural	158	(1)
Disguising Your Ceiling	159	(3)
Letting lattice work its charms	159	(1)
Extending wallcoverings	160	(1)
Tenting a ceiling with fabric	160	(1)
Creating a ribbon trellis	160	(1)
Applying straw matting	161	(1)
Installing ceramic tiles	161	(1)
Reducing noise with acoustic tiles	161	(1)
Decoupaging your ceiling	162	(1)
Building the Ceiling You Want	162	(3)
Constructing a false ceiling	162	(1)
Raising the ceiling	162	(1)
Including classical touches	163	(1)
Adding beams	163	(1)
Creating coffers	163	(1)
Using planks	163	(2)
Chapter 16: Dressing Up Windows	165	(14)
Exposing Windows	165	(2)
Looking at Shades, Blinds, and Shutters	167	(3)
Heeding the Curtain (and Drapery) Call	170	(6)
Readymade in the shade	171	(1)
Customizing designed curtains	171	(1)
Top billing for your curtains and draperies	172	(1)
Supporting roles	172	(1)
Considering optional hang-ups	173	(1)
Going to great lengths	174	(2)
Creating Special Effects	176	(3)
Chapter 17:Lively lighting	179	(18)
Understanding Lighting Basics	179	(2)
Functional lighting	180	(1)
Decorative lighting	180	(1)
Lighting Up Your Life	181	(1)
Illuminating logically	181	(1)
Focusing on aesthetics	182	(1)
Lighting 101	182	(2)
General lighting	182	(1)
Task lighting	183	(1)
Accent lighting	184	(1)
Planning General Lighting	184	(1)
Creating contrast	184	(1)
Avoiding glare	184	(1)
Balancing light	185	(1)
Buying the Right Bulbs	185	(2)
Picking Perfect Fixtures	187	(3)
Ceiling fixtures	187	(1)
Chandeliers	188	(1)
Pendants	188	(1)
Portables	188	(1)
Recessed lighting	188	(1)
Tracks	188	(1)
Under-cabinet and under-shelf fixtures	189	(1)
Vanity lighting strips	189	(1)
Wall-mounted fixtures	190	(1)
Lighting Your Home, Room by Room	190	(9)
Hallways	190	(1)
Stairways	190	(1)
Bathrooms	191	(1)
Bedrooms	191	(1)
Children's bedrooms	192	(1)
Dining rooms	193	(1)
Kitchens	194	(1)
Home offices	194	(1)
Living rooms	195	(2)
Part V: Tackling the Three Tough Rooms: Kitchen, Bath, and Home Office	197	(42)
Chapter 18: Cooking Up Your Dream Kitchen	199	(16)
Considering Your Wallet	199	(2)
Spending the dough	200	(1)
Cutting corners	200	(1)
Reviewing Design Guidelines	201	(1)
Determining Your Dimensions	202	(1)
Finding the Right Furnishings	202	(8)
Characterizing cabinets	202	(2)
Countering your top	204	(2)
Walking on fabulous floors	206	(2)
Enjoying wonderful walls	208	(2)
Decorating Do's	210	(5)
Selecting a style or theme	210	(1)
Creating the background	211	(1)
Spotlighting a hood	211	(1)
Furnishing a great kitchen	212	(1)
Treating windows	213	(1)
Accessorizing to add eye appeal	213	(2)
Chapter 19: Beautifying Your Bathroom	215	(14)
Budgeting Matters	215	(2)
Strategizing for Resale	217	(1)
Customizing Your Bathroom	218	(4)
Gathering information	218	(1)
Sprucing up surfaces	218	(4)
Accessorizing Your Bathroom	222	(1)
Meeting a Bathroom's Needs	223	(4)
Mastering your bathroom	224	(1)
Making the most of small bathrooms	225	(1)
Gussying up guest bathrooms	225	(1)
Styling your children's bathroom	226	(1)
Transforming Tacky into Terrific	227	(2)
Spicing up your vanity	227	(1)
Making the best of old tile	228	(1)
Chapter 20: Setting Up Your Home Office	229	(10)
Locating Your Work/Study Space	230	(1)
Measuring Your Space	231	(1)
Lighting Up	231	(1)
Equipping Your Office	232	(3)
Electronic equipment	232	(1)
Furniture	233	(2)
Wiring Up	235	(1)
Color Scheming for Productivity	236	(1)
Accessorizing for Productivity and Fun	237	(2)
Part VI: Fixing Up Four Easy Rooms	239	(56)
Chapter 21: Styling Serene Bedrooms	241	(10)
Considering Function First	241	(2)
Selecting the Right Bed Type	243	(5)
Fitting your room (and your body)	243	(2)
Getting comfortable	245	(1)
Finding great style	246	(2)
Storing Your Stuff	248	(2)
Taking stock of your storage needs	248	(1)
Maximizing storage space	249	(1)
Placing Nightstands and Tables	250	(1)
Beautifying Your Bed	250	(2)
Dressing your bed	250	(1)
Making pillow talk	251	(1)
Arranging Your Furniture	252	(1)
Decorating for Your Bedrooms' Needs	253
Master bedrooms	253	(1)
Teen bedrooms	254	(1)
Children's bedrooms	254	(1)
Guestrooms	255
Chapter 22: Creating Your Living Room	251	(20)
Thinking about Function	257	(7)
Putting your furniture in its place	259	(1)
Checking out different layouts	260	(3)
Focusing on a focal point	263	(1)
Discovering furniture-arranging basics	263	(1)
Creating a Great Backdrop	264	(4)
Settling on wall materials	264	(3)
Dealing with your ceilings	267	(1)
Adding drama to the floor	267	(1)
Doing up the windows	268	(1)
Handling Accessories	268	(3)
Chapter 23: Designing for Dining	271	(14)
Preparing a Comfortable Table	272	(1)
Putting Style on Your Menu	273	(2)
Creating the Formal Dining Room	275	(5)
Comfort	275	(1)
Movement	276	(1)
Color, texture, and pattern	276	(1)
Furniture	277	(1)
China and glassware	278	(1)
Linens	279	(1)
Storage	279	(1)
Dining 'Round	280	(3)
In the living room	280	(1)
In a wide hallway	281	(1)
In the kitchen	281	(1)
In a media room	281	(1)
In other rooms	282	(1)
Creating Instant Dining Magic	283	(2)
Chapter 24: Transforming Bonus Areas	285	(10)
Annexing Attics	285	(2)
Beautifying Basements	287	(2)
Perking Up Porches and Patios	289	(3)
Enlivening the Laundry	292	(3)
Part VII: Embellishments: Accessorizinq with Art and other Stuff	295	(34)
Chapter 25: Acquiring and Arranging Art	297	(16)
Affairs of the Art	297	(3)
Art as investment	298	(1)
Art for art's and decoration's sake	298	(2)
Art for fun	300	(1)
Buying Do's and Don'ts	300	(1)
Finding Art	301	(1)
Fine art from fine sources	301	(1)
Decorative art from many sources	301	(1)
Placing Art in the Right Relationship	302	(2)
Picking up on a picture's colors	302	(1)
Considering basic conventions	302	(1)
Pleasing the eye of the beholder	303	(1)
Finding homes for your art	303	(1)
Artful Backgrounds	304	(1)
The Art of Art Placement	304	(1)
Relating Artwork in Groups	305	(5)
Do's and don'ts of group displays	305	(1)
Simple symmetry	306	(1)
Not-so-simple asymmetry	307	(1)
Great groupings	308	(2)
Displaying in Off-the-Wall Ways	310	(3)
Chapter 26: Accentuating Your Style	313	(16)
Hunting for Accessories	313	(1)
Updating Your Arrangements	314	(1)
Finishing with Pizzazz	314	(1)
Accessorizing One by One	315	(16)
Pillow talk	316	(1)
Mirror magic	317	(2)
Colored glassware	319	(1)
Stained glass	319	(1)
Ceramics	320	(1)
Ceramic tiles	321	(1)
Blooming beauty	321	(2)
Collections	323	(1)
Quilts	323	(1)
Throws	324	(1)
Screen tests	325	(1)
Hardware	326	(1)
Found objects	327	(2)
Part VIII: The Part of Tens	329	(16)
Chapter 27: Ten Quick and Easy Centerpieces	331	(4)
Indulging in Child's Play	331	(1)
Adding an Artistic Touch	332	(1)
Bejeweling Your Holiday Table	332	(1)
Creating a Colorful Collection	332	(1)
Flying Your Flags	333	(1)
Using Your Marbles	333	(1)
Thinking Fresh	333	(1)
Sharing the Bounty	333	(1)
Lighting Up the Table	334	(1)
Bowling Them Over	334	(1)
Chapter 28: Ten Tips for Leftover Wallpaper	335	(4)
Slipcovering Your Lampshade	335	(1)
Adding Flower Power to a Paper Shade	336	(1)
Refreshing a Wastebasket	336	(1)
Dressing Your Books in New Jackets	336	(1)
Wallpapering a Backsplash	336	(1)
Lining a Shelf	337	(1)
Decoupaging Your Lamp Base	337	(1)
Transforming a Box	337	(1)
Covering a Notebook or Journal	337	(1)
Decorating Kitchen Canisters	337	(2)
Chapter 29: Ten Favorite Sources	339	(6)
Subscribing to Magazines	339	(1)
Sighting Online Sites	340	(1)
Cataloging Catalogs	340	(1)
Buying Books	341	(1)
Watching TV	341	(1)
Talking on the Radio	342	(1)
Asking Associations and Institutions	342	(1)
Dropping by Designer Showcase Houses	342	(1)
Scoping Out the Dailies	343	(1)
Checking Out the Library	343	(2)
Index	345